LEWES, Del. – A 48-year-old Delaware motorcyclist was killed Tuesday evening when an SUV making a U-turn pulled into his path on Coastal Highway in Lewes, according to Delaware State Police.
The crash happened at approximately 6:10 p.m. near Bay Crossing Boulevard. Police said a Kia Sorento was traveling north on Coastal Highway while a Harley Davidson motorcycle approached the intersection southbound in the far-left lane.
“The preliminary investigation revealed that the Kia was making a U-turn and pulled into the path of the motorcycle,” Delaware State Police said. The motorcycle then struck the passenger side of the Kia, ejecting its rider.
Harbeson Motorcyclist Dies After Lewes Crash
The 48-year-old Harbeson man was taken to an area hospital, where he died from his injuries. Police are withholding his name until his family is notified.
The Kia was driven by a 77-year-old woman from New Berlin, Pennsylvania. Two passengers were also inside the SUV at the time of the collision.
- The crash happened around 6:10 p.m. Tuesday on Coastal Highway at Bay Crossing Boulevard.
- Police said the Kia was making a U-turn when it pulled into the Harley Davidson’s path.
- The motorcyclist died at a hospital, while the Kia driver and her two passengers were not injured.
None of the three people in the Kia was injured, according to state police.
What does the preliminary investigation show?
Delaware State Police said the northbound Kia entered the turn lane at Bay Crossing Boulevard and began making a U-turn as the Harley approached southbound. The motorcycle struck the passenger side of the SUV.
Coastal Highway Closed for About Three Hours
The roadway was closed for approximately three hours while investigators examined the scene and crews cleared the highway.
The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit is handling the investigation.
Coastal Highway has been the scene of other serious motorcycle crashes in the Lewes area. Shore News Network previously reported on a Lewes crash in which a 19-year-old motorcyclist was critically injured after colliding with a vehicle on Coastal Highway.
That earlier crash was a separate incident and is not connected to Tuesday’s fatal collision.
Has the motorcyclist been identified?
Not publicly. State police said the victim was a 48-year-old Harbeson resident and are withholding his name pending notification of his family.
Delaware State Police Seek Witnesses
Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed Tuesday’s crash to contact Master Corporal R. Albert at 302-703-3266.
Tips can also be provided through the Delaware State Police Facebook page or anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
The fatal collision adds to recent traffic coverage from Delaware and Sussex County on Shore News Network, including crashes along heavily traveled coastal routes.
Were the people inside the Kia injured?
No. State police said the 77-year-old driver and her two passengers were not injured in the crash.
